{Reposting since I didn't designate a specific search topic w/original post.}

Planning a last minute trip to the BI and Maui for March. I've been told to snorkel at Honaunau Bay (sp?) on the BI and wonder what the closest resort hotels are to the area. Should we plan on spending the night at a B&B in Volcano Park for one night? In Maui, I want to be catered to - drinks to be brought to me on the beach, etc. I want a fab pool (read: swimup bar) sans too many kids, and a nice ocean view. Recommendations from the experienced? I'm hearing that Kaanapali Beach is the location I'm looking for, but there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus on the best resorts for that area. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated

You won't find a fab pool without kids. Grand Wailea has an adults-only pool.

Fab. pool with a swim-up bar? - You'll want the Grand Wailea in South Maui. The Westin and the Hyatt in Kaanapali are also possibilities. (The great Kaanapali vs. Wailea debate rages on!) There will always be children at resorts with great pools but it'll be OK. - Trust me.

PU?UHOUNAU O HONAUNAU on the Big Island is actually a National Park and is located south of Kona. You can park there and walk outside the park for snorkling to the area known as "Two Steps" which is a lava shelf entry to the water - the park ranger at the entry koisk will give you directions. Lots of turtles in this location. The large resorts (Hilton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Hapuna Prince, etc.) on the Big Island are all north of Kona, but you could drive from them to Honaunau to snorkle. There is the Royal Kona Resort (not very fancy) in Kona itself, but you would still have to drive to Honaunau. You would actually pass Honaunau on the way to Volcano National Park if you are driving the southern route from Kona to the park. You should definately plan to spend the night in a Bed and Breakfast or at the Kilauea Lodge when you visit Volcanoes National Park. It's wonderful to view the lava after dark and the drive back to the Kona side is long. Check with the National Park Service for a lava update. Lately the lava has not been as active as a few months ago. Another great snorkle spot on the Big Island is Kealakekua Bay, which is also south of Kona. It would require you to go with a tour boat or rent kayaks and paddle across to the Captain Cook Monument, where you can pull the kayak out of the water onto the shore and enjoy spectacular snorkling. On our last kayak trip, we were escorted by a pod of dolphins. Much better snorkling in my opinion than Maui.

I'm going to the big island and Maui in under 2 weeks!
For snorkeling, since I've never done it, I thought it would be to go with a tour for my first time and get a little guidance if I need. I've chosen Sea Quest. They take 6 people on a motor raft and the tour goes to Kealakakua, Honaunau and some sea caves along the shore. The big boats and big crowds just don't appeal to me.
There are many B&B's in the Capt Cook area, but no resorts. I'm staying at the Hilton Waikoloa on the Kohala coast, maybe an hour north of Honaunau?
There sounds like there are lots of great snorkeling areas on that coast, and if the surfs not high you can snorkel at most beaches.